Tzitzit: Difference between revisions

#Sephardim generally follow the opinion of the Shulchan Aruch<ref> S"A 9:1. This is based off of Rav Nachman in Gemara Menachot 39b and is purported by the Rif and Rambam Hilchot Tzitzit 3:2 </ref>  that only garments made of wool or linen  have a torah obligation to be affixed with tzitzit strands. Accordingly, all other materials only require tzitzit on a rabbinic level. As such, it is preferable for one to wear a wool or linen garment. Nevertheless, it one finds it uncomfortable to wear wool tzitzit, he may wear tzitzit made from other materials. <ref>Rav Ben Zion Abba Shaul in Ohr LeZion 9:1; Rav Ovadya Yosef in Yalkut Yosef 9:1</ref>  

#Ashkenazim rely on the Rema who holds that all materials are included in the Torah obligation.<ref>This is based off of Rava in Gemara Menachot 39b which Tosafot there "Rav Nachman" says Rashi and Rabbeinu Tam both paskin like. </ref> Nevertheless, some maintain that one still should wear wool and linen garments in order to satisfy all opinions. <ref>Mishna Berura 9:5. In Halichot Shlomo 3:25 Rav Shlomo Zalman says one should try to be strict even in the summertime. </ref> One the other hand, many poskim are lenient if wearing wool would cause any discomfort, especially in the heat. <ref>Rav Moshe Feinstein in Igres Moshe 2:1; Similarly, The Vilna Gaon (Maaseh Rav Birchot HaShachar, 17) ,the Chazon Ish (Shoneh Halachot 9:1), and the Steipler Gaon (Orchot Rabbeinu Volume 1 page 18) wore non-wool garments for their tzitzit. In Teshuvot Vihanhagot 1:18 Rav Moshe Shternbuch cites several reasons that one should be strict and said that we can't learn anything from the rabbis that wore non-wool garments because they had their own reasons.  </ref>